Columbus State Community College graduate Brian Reese knows cars. More than that, he knows what cars need after they hit the road.

Reese is currently the vice president of Product & Business Development at Competition Cams in Memphis, Tenn., leading a development team to produce performance aftermarket parts.

He graduated from Columbus State in 1999 with an associate degree in Automotive Technology. He also has certifications as a Master Automobile Technician and a Master Engine Machinist.

Reese began his journey into the automotive world in 1994, when he accepted an engineering internship at the General Motors Technical Center in Warren, Mich.

"I had never been so impressed by fellow technicians," says Reese when talking about his time at General Motors. "The guys with the Auto Tech degrees were the cream of the crop. They absolutely knew what they were doing and had a particularly useful ability to troubleshoot and clearly solve problems – something I had never experienced in the industry."

"I was practically doubling my knowledge and skills and was on my way to becoming what I like to call 'an engineer in a technician's body.'"

After completing his internship, Reese returned to Columbus where he immediately enrolled at Columbus State and began pursuing his associate degree. To this day, he feels the educational experience he received at Columbus State made attending there one of the best decisions he ever made.

"I was practically doubling my knowledge and skills and was on my way to becoming what I like to call 'an engineer in a technician's body,'" he says.

After receiving his degree from Columbus State, Reese continued his education at The Ohio State University, where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees in mechanical engineering.

Reese remains in contact with two individuals he recognizes as being the most influential during his time at Columbus State. He credits former professor Brooke Mossgrove for making his time at Columbus State so enjoyable.

"He recognized me as someone who had potential to do the things I set my mind to," says Reese. "Brooke was a great teacher, mentor, and friend."

Reese also acknowledged current department chair, Dr. Andrew Rezin, for making a big impact on his educational experience. "If it were not for Dr. Rezin, I would never have attended Columbus State."